The U.S. Transport Safety Administration (TSA) has been testing a program called TSA Pre that allows you to supply the TSA with a handful of personal details in exchange for skipping the long lines at security checkpoints. Depending on how you feel about the TSA, this may sound really great or really terrible. Now that the program is expanding to many more airports, we're taking a look at how the program works and whether or not it's worth your time.

What You Get

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The PreCheck program works by embedding a code in your boarding pass. The TSA agent checking that pass scans it, finds out that you're special, and may refer you to an expedited line. You also could be exempt from removing your shoes, items from your carry-on, your jacket, and your belt. The language on the TSA's "How It Works" page (see the image on the right) doesn't appear to guarantee any of these benefits. In fact, the page reminds you that "no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening" and that you're still subject to the "random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport." The bottom line is that you might get these benefits, but they're not making any promises.

How to Sign Up

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways are the current participating airlines in the PreCheck program, and they are inviting frequent fliers to join. If you haven't received an invitation, you can still sign up by joining the CBP Trusted Traveler program. Either way, the process is a little cumbersome:

Enter that PASS ID number when booking a flight with one of the participating airlines.

Go to the airport and check in at one of the approved checkpoints (scroll down to the bottom of the page for the list).

What's particularly annoying is that you won't know if you were even approved for the PreCheck program until you actually get to one of these security checkpoints. You're not notified online, but at the airport when it's time to fly. This means that the first time around you can't count on any of the time savings you'd get from an expedited security check. To be fair, you can never really count on it because the TSA doesn't guarantee an expedited check to approved members of the program anyway.

Should You Participate In This Program?

It's still in its early phases and, despite the wider rollout currently underway, it has quite a ways to go. Even though it'll be available at more airports and, likely, additional airlines in the near future, I don't think the program doesn't really offer that much in exchange for your information. While this might be a better way to travel in the future, for now we suggest letting the PreCheck program grow up a little bit before jumping on board.